Piaf

Synopsis

The story of Edith Piaf, the legendary French singer. From singing in the streets to being the highest paid singer in the world, Piaf has left us with her wonderful legacy of great songs which reflect an extraordinary life. Contains strong language.

Our Review:

14 November 2011

Wartime France comes to Walthamstow this month as All Star Productions revives the musical play which traces the life of Edith Piaf at Ye Olde Rose and Crown Theatre.

Piaf’s is an extraordinary and intriguing tale, and Mike Lees’ dark stage design, fringed with its sumptuous red velvet curtain, is beautifully simple. Situated in a pleasantly large space upstairs in this East London pub, the set is as at home with the Little Sparrow’s humble beginnings as it is with the dramatic twists and turns her life takes as she embarks on the rocky road to stardom.

The play starts as it ends, with a visibly ailing Piaf staggering to the microphone and beginning a bold musical rendition, only to be brought to an abrupt halt and forcibly removed, cursing all the way. The ability to condense a life as complex and chequered as this into just two hours is the mark of a clever playwright and the late Pam Gems deserves huge credit; this is a rollercoaster of highs an...

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